King James Version

What Does Luke 21:15 Mean?

Luke 21:15 in the King James Version says “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Luke 21:15 · KJV


Context

13

And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

14

Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

16

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

17

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Jesus explains why preparation is unnecessary: egō gar dōsō hymin stoma kai sophian (ἐγὼ γὰρ δώσω ὑμῖν στόμα καὶ σοφίαν, 'for I will give you mouth and wisdom'). The pronoun egō (ἐγώ, 'I') is emphatic—Jesus Himself, not human resources, supplies what's needed. He promises stoma (στόμα, 'mouth')—the ability to speak, eloquence, words—and sophian (σοφίαν, 'wisdom')—divine insight, understanding, discernment.

The result: hē ou dynēsontai antistēnai ē antilegein hapantes hoi antikeimenoi hymin (ᾗ οὐ δυνήσονται ἀντιστῆναι ἢ ἀντιλέγειν ἅπαντες οἱ ἀντικείμενοι ὑμῖν, 'which all who oppose you will not be able to withstand or contradict'). The double negation ou dynēsontai (οὐ δυνήσονται, 'will not be able') indicates impossibility. Adversaries cannot antistēnai (ἀντιστῆναι, 'resist/withstand') or antilegein (ἀντιλέγειν, 'speak against/contradict'). Divine wisdom is irrefutable. This doesn't guarantee acquittal—Stephen's accusers couldn't refute him, yet they stoned him (Acts 6:10, 7:54-60)—but it guarantees effective witness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This promise was spectacularly fulfilled. Acts records that Stephen's opponents 'were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake' (Acts 6:10). Peter's Pentecost sermon convicted thousands (Acts 2:37-41). His defense before the Sanhedrin left leaders speechless, astonished that 'unlearned and ignorant men' displayed such boldness (Acts 4:13). Paul's reasoning persuaded some, confounded others (Acts 17:2-4, 18:4). Church fathers—Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr—gave testimonies that converted even some persecutors. Throughout history, martyrs' words under torture demonstrated supernatural courage and wisdom, fulfilling Jesus' promise. Modern testimonies from persecuted Christians worldwide confirm the same pattern: when human resources fail, divine provision suffices.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Jesus will give believers 'mouth and wisdom,' and how does this differ from natural eloquence?
  2. Why does Jesus promise that adversaries cannot refute or resist this divinely-given wisdom?
  3. How should this promise shape believers' confidence when facing hostile questioning or persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἐγὼ1 of 17

I

G1473

i, me

γὰρ2 of 17

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

δώσω3 of 17

will give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν4 of 17

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

στόμα5 of 17

a mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

καὶ6 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σοφίαν7 of 17

wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

8 of 17

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐ9 of 17

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δυνήσονται10 of 17

be able

G1410

to be able or possible

ἀντειπεῖν11 of 17

to gainsay

G471

to refute or deny

οὐδὲ12 of 17

nor

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἀντιστῆναι13 of 17

resist

G436

to stand against, i.e., oppose

πάντες14 of 17

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ15 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀντικείμενοι16 of 17

adversaries

G480

to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to

ὑμῖν17 of 17

you

G5213

to (with or by) you


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 21:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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